Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil. Hebrews 6:19.
It is true that disappointments will come; tribulation we must expect; but we are to commit everything, great and small, to God. He does not become perplexed by the multiplicity of our grievances, nor overpowered by the weight of our burdens. His watchcare extends to every household, and encircles every individual; He is concerned in all our business and our sorrows. He marks every tear; He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. All the afflictions and trials that befall us here are permitted, to work out His purposes of love toward us,—“that we might be partakers of His holiness,” and thus become participants in that fullness of joy which is found in His presence….
The meager views which so many have had of the exalted character and office of Christ have narrowed their religious experience, and have greatly hindered their progress in the divine life. Personal religion among us as a people is at a low ebb. There is much form, much machinery, much tongue religion; but something deeper and more solid must be brought into our religious experience…. It is the work of the Christian in this life to represent Christ to the world, in life and character unfolding the blessed Jesus. If God has given us light, it is that we may reveal it to others. But in comparison with the light we have received, and the opportunities and privileges granted us to reach the hearts of the people, the results of our work thus far have been too small…. We must search the Scriptures diligently, prayerfully; our understanding must be quickened by the Holy Spirit, and our hearts must be uplifted to God in faith and hope and continual praise.—Testimonies for the Church 5:742-744.
With God at Dawn p. 51
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for blessings on an area employer who is paying his employees for thirty hours of work even though there is no work because of the weather. R
—-please send up prayers for Donovan he’s admitted since last night in hospital for observation and tests. Had chest pain. Arlene
—-My Mama is passing. She has maybe 24-72 hours left. She’s in _____ and with this Covid, she’s alone in the nursing home. I know she’s really not alone because of Christ but, I can’t be with her to comfort her like she needs. Connie
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Dear Friends,
When we lived in Washington state, we often took a drive on the weekend. Our favorite places to go were north of Spokane, into northern Idaho, or northwest Montana. It was thrilling to see the beauties that our Great Creator has lavished upon this part of the planet. On one such drive, we took a little hike down a path in the mountains. It was a dark and thickly wooded area and no one else was on the trail. This was just to our liking. As we gazed at all the beauty surrounding us, it seemed it could not get better. Just then, the narrow path widened a little and there before us was a lake sparkling in the sunshine. The leaves of the trees were so thick above us that the trail was very dark, but there on the water, it was bright and sunny. In the coolness of the shade, we sat on some logs and looked out over the water. Ron and I talked for a few minutes while our children waded in the water. It seemed like all the cares of life had evaporated and all was happiness and peace.
When we started to walk back down the path to the realities of life, we smelled the distinctive smell that a mountain lion makes when marking his territory. That smell had not been there when we had passed that spot not long before. Remembering the recent stories we had heard of mountain lion attacks even in more populated areas, we felt just a tinge of fear knowing that while we had been sitting by the water, blissfully enjoying the beauties of the place, a mountain lion had probably been watching our every move and thinking what a great meal Esther Marie or Ronnie Jay would make. We were thankful that our Great Creator had made the animal keep his distance.
There is a “lion” who is stalking each one of us in our home, at work or school, whatever we do, wherever we go. Peter warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 Paul explains, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph 6:12 John heard a voice proclaim, “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Rev 12:12
Yet, if the word of God abides in us, we do not have to be devoured by the wicked one. (1John 2:14) “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Ps 119:9-11 Paul urges us, “take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance.” Eph 6:13-18
May we resist the lion’s onslaughts by enduring steadfast in the faith all the way to the end. (Matt 10:22; 1 Peter 5:9) May we “study to show [ourselves] approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” that we may overcome as Christ overcame with an “it is written.” 2 Tim 2:15; Matt 4:4, 7, 10 May it be said of us, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb” is my prayer. Rev 12:11
Rose

Hope Will Anchor the Soul